Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies.Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Convicted Extortionist Claims Ryan Madson’s Wife Hates Phillies Fans

Last night, the web site Deadspin revealed a story claiming that Ryan Madson’s wife Sarah had some awful things to say about Philadelphia fans.

In the original report, Laura Goldman of the Naked Philadelphian stated the comments were made to her after she identified herself as a reporter.Goldman claims that Madson said, “I hate the fans. It is bad enough that they bother us during the season, but they will not leave us alone in December when we go out to eat. We stayed here during the off season last year, but we will be going to California this year. There must be something particularly bad about Phillies fans because all the players leave in the off season.”

Madson allegedly went on to say about female fans, “Can you believe that they have the gall to give my husband their number in front of me?”

Later, the blog Crossing Broad revealed that Goldman has a very checkered past and a history of being a liar.She is on probation currently for stalking a former lover, falsely accusing him of rape and attempting to extort money from the man.She even fled the country to avoid prosecution and was a fugitive from justice for almost nine years before being extradited back to the US from Israel.

The only statement given so far by the Madson’s according to the Daily News was from a spokesman for the Madson’s who said, “Ryan and Sarah enjoy playing in Philadelphia and have a great fondness for the city and the fans.”There was no denial.

However, I personally have a difficult time believing that Sarah Madson would say such things.I spent time with her last year on the 2010 Phillies Cruise and can tell you that both she and Ryan are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.They were friendly, cordial and spent a lot of time on the cruise chatting with fans, even during non-Phillies related events.

Ryan even handed me his World Series ring and let me and some friends pass it around to try it on and take photos.

And besides, why would they volunteer to attend a week-long cruise with over 200 Phillies fans if Sarah had issues with the fans?It makes no sense.

As for the credibility of Laura Goldman, she has none.The woman is a convicted extortionist and liar.And she very conveniently did not tape the interview.Even I tape every interview I conduct, and I don’t get interviews very often.In fact, when I interviewed Gary “Sarge” Matthews and Dallas Green last summer, I used two digital recorders, just in case.

The facts simply do not add up here.I hope the Madson’s sue this crazy woman and run her out of the country again.

UPDATE: Karen Araiza of NBC Philadelphia has reported that the Phillies sent out a Press Release with a statement on behalf of Ryan and Sarah Madson. It read as follows:

“Sarah did not consent to an interview, but rather was approached by Ms. Goldman who did not identify herself as a reporter. She began to ask many personal questions about the life of a wife of a professional baseball player. The comments reported by Ms. Goldman were taken completely out of context, and as a result, Sarah is extremely upset and feels violated by the situation.

Sarah says, “For every one fan that may upset us, there are 99 Phillies fans that we love. We have lived here for years, have many friends, neighbors and acquaintances — who also happen to be Phillies fans — for whom we have the utmost respect.”

The Madsons would like to dispel this misleading information which indicates that they have anything but admiration for the fans in Philadelphia.”

Based on the new information, it appears Sarah Madson did make the comments, although the true context is unclear.

Goldman’s actions are inexcusable as she took advantage of a woman trying to be friendly at a charity event.

As for the Madson’s, I would be upset too if women were hitting on my husband right in front of me. It is likely the comments were aimed just at that particular group of fans.

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